The Chinese Foreign Ministry has defended Xinjiang against allegations of forced labor in the production of chili peppers exported to the UK and US, which were highlighted in a report by anti-China academic Adrian Zenz. The ministry criticized the report for lacking factual evidence and not providing any proof of forced labor. It also pointed out that the farming process of chili peppers in Xinjiang is largely mechanized. An international symposium in Urumqi also refuted the 'forced labor' narrative, stating it is a lie that denies Xinjiang residents their right to work.